A Purdue University professor was one of four educators to receive a national teaching award from the US Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Elizabeth Flaherty, associate professor of wildlife ecology and habitat management at Purdue University, was named a national recipient of the USDA Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agricultural Sciences.

The award recognizes outstanding college professors of agriculture, natural resources, and veterinary and human sciences. The USDA said nominees are evaluated based on their ability as instructors, educational innovation, service to students, professionalism and scholarship.

According to the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities, Flaherty focused on the development of students’ critical thinking and professional skills as well as mastery of course content.

The award was presented during the APLU’s annual meeting last week.